Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The decision of the French people is a matter for them just as the decision of the Greek people is a matter for them. Their process of democracy is now being followed through with members of the once minority parties now being asked to form a Government. That is their process and it must be followed through. It may well be that they can form a Government. If not, they have a specific process in place there.

Many economists, including Deputy Ross, offer views about growth rates and where our country is headed. It is interesting to note that the growth rates for the eurozone and European Union are very much behind the international forecast of 0.7% growth for Ireland for this year, which is significant in its own right. What we have been saying for some time is that there should be a balancing of the books here and a utilisation of the opportunity, through Government decision and international agreements, to grow our economy and provide many jobs in the future.

I spoke this morning to President-elect Hollande and congratulated him on his victory in the presidential elections in France. We had a good conversation. President-elect Hollande is sensitive to and cognisant of Ireland's concerns and is aware that our people will vote by way of referendum on 31 May on the text of the treaty as signed on 2 March 2012 and agreed by 25 countries. The President-elect fully understands and respects this. We had a good conversation about growth and reorientation of the European agenda towards a strong growth future, in addition to what has already been agreed.

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